Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈæs.ɪ.naɪn/

Definitions

• 1. Extremely foolish or silly.
• 2. Lacking sound judgment or intelligence; absurd.

Usage Examples

• His suggestion was dismissed as completely asinine by the committee.
• It's asinine to leave your valuables unattended in a crowded place.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word asinus, meaning "ass" or "donkey," used metaphorically to imply stupidity or stubbornness.

Synonyms

• Foolish
• Absurd
• Ridiculous
• Inane

Antonyms

• Wise
• Intelligent
• Sensible
• Reasonable

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "asinine" may vary slightly between British and American English, with the stress sometimes placed differently.

Historical Usage

The term "asinine" has been used since the 15th century to describe behaviors or ideas perceived as stubbornly foolish or lacking common sense.

Cultural Nuances

While "asinine" is widely recognized as a term for foolishness, its use in formal settings may be considered overly strong or disrespectful.

More Information

The word "asinine" is often employed in both casual and rhetorical contexts to emphasize the absurdity or foolishness of an action or statement. Its roots in the metaphor of the donkey highlight cultural associations with stubbornness and lack of intelligence.